The start of the new year is a great time to reenergize your home. Taking steps to give your home a refresh doesn’t always require a major renovation. One way to liven up your living space is to replace your floors. Your new floors are not only about style and décor. Cost, durability, moisture and maintenance are other important factors to consider when purchasing new floors for your home. To help you evaluate what works best for your home, here are some popular floor options among home owners.
Hardwood. Classic, contemporary and durable, hardwood floors remain one of the most wanted floor types for home owners. This option can be made from several different types of wood and are available in finished or unfinished. Hardwood floors can increase your home’s resale value and are easy to clean. Unlike other flooring options, hardwood is susceptible to scratching, dents or warping due to lengthy exposure to moisture. The cost depends on type of wood selected. Exotic wood types are generally more expensive per square foot.
Laminate. A popular, less expensive alternative to hardwood floors is laminate. This type of flooring option is composed of various wood-based materials layered together which are ‘laminated’ and finished off with a photographic imprint. Generally, laminate is available in tiles or planks and are relatively easy to install and maintain. If you still want the look of hardwood floors without having them, laminate flooring is a viable option. Laminate is also more resistant to scuffs and scratches. Like hardwoods, extended exposure to moisture can damage the floor.
Vinyl. Cost conscious home owners in search of a resilient flooring option should consider vinyl. Unlike other types of flooring, vinyl is ideal for areas in your home that are prone to moisture such as laundry rooms or basements. Vinyl has adhesive and is available in sheets or tiles. Repairing damaged vinyl is as easy as removing and replacing. There are several limitations with this type of floor. Vinyl is likely to scratch, can vary in quality and may not have the contemporary look compared to other flooring options.
Bamboo. Unlike the name it implies, bamboo floor is manufactured out of lightweight wood grass. Bamboo floor is durable, resistant to changes due to temperature fluctuation and relatively easy to install. This flooring type is available in strips or planks. While it’s a less expensive option to hardwood floors, installation costs tend to be more expensive.
Linoleum. Natural materials make up linoleum. This flooring choice is scratch resistant and easy to maintain. Linoleum is available is planks, sheets or tiles. Like other flooring options, linoleum is available in a variety of colors and patterns. While durable, linoleum is not as water resistant as other types of flooring and can fade with long term exposure to direct sunlight.
Carpet. Soft fibers and a variety of colors and textures make this type of flooring option popular especially in living and bedrooms. Depending on the type of carpet you select, this type of floor can resist moisture, mildew, water or stains. Carpet can be soft and pillowlike on your feet based on the type of padding you select. Not all carpet is stain resistant or easy to clean. If you live in a home where someone suffers from allergies this is not an ideal flooring choice since carpet fibers capture pollen and pet dander easily.
For more information about flooring options or other home renovations in the new year, contact Lakeland Builders Association by email, info@lakelandba.com, or by phone, 262-723-2908. Or view the membership directory on this website for flooring contractors and other members who can help with home updates and repairs.